~ Later version of the Mle 1886 Rifle Bayonet ‘Rosalie’ of the ‘Lebel’ Rifle ~

This is the bayonet of the famous Mle1886 M.93 'Lebel', cal. 8x50R Rifle, world's first smokeless powder military rifle.

There were two versions of the bayonet used on this rifle. The first one was much longer and has the hook quillion, which was often cut by the troops.

Later in the war the French military realised that the old design was obsolete, being way too long for being used in a trench fight. The shortened it to match the length of the German ‘butcher’s knife’.

The bayonet comes in its original metal scabbard and is stamped on the blade with the maker’s name ‘C&P’.

Its grip is made of brass.

The guard is stamped with serial number ’S23927’.

The scabbard is stamped ‘je92828’.

~ Dimensions ~

The blade length is 13 inches (33 cm) and the overall length of the bayonet is 17.8 inches (45 cm).

The length of the bayonet in its scabbard is 19 inches (48.3 cm).

~ Condition ~

This is a fine example of a well preserved WW1 French bayonet. The blade has developed a nice patina but there are no traces of rust or damage.

The brass grip has the expected signs of wear, like surface pitting and minor nicks.

The scabbard is also excellent with the expected signs of wear.

~ Postage ~

UK postage is £18 or the bayonet can be collected from our shop in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.